PRCS Attends the General Assembly of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization

 (Al-Bireh - 18/4/2017):  PRCS took part in the 42nd General Assembly of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) hosted by Tunisia on 16-17 April 2017. Representatives from IFRC, ICRC, several non-Arab National Societies and European organizations mindful of Arab refugees also attended the meeting.

Chaired by PRCS’ president Dr. Younis Al Khatib, the Society’s delegation also comprised Dr. Khaled Joudeh, Director General, Samih Abou Eisheh, Secretary, and Erab Fuqaha, Head of Media and Dissemination at PRCS.

The GA discussed tragic humanitarian crises in a number of Arab States as well as relief services offered to meet the needs of affected populations and Arab refugees on the ground. It focused on strategic cooperation to promote quality humanitarian action as well as on transforming humanitarian and relief work from mere rescue operations to an industry based on know-how. Several other topics were discussed, including the role of National Societies in reducing illegal immigration, enhancing support provided by National Societies to governments, the situation of refugees in the Arab world, the possibility of creating a Red Cross/Red Crescent Network within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab candidates to fill statutory positions at IFRC, and promoting IHL during armed conflicts.

Numerous workshops were also organized on strategic dialogue between ARCO, National Societies and International Movement constituents, promoting twinning agreements between Arab Societies, as well as a workshop on humanitarian communications aimed at building information and communication capacities that are relevant to humanitarian action.

ARCO’s Secretariat also bestowed upon several Arab paramedics and volunteers working at EMS centers at Arab National Societies the Rafida Al Islamiya Order. Dr. Khaled Joudeh received this Order on behalf of Mohamad Al Hassi, Head of the PRCS’ EMS Center in Khan Younis.

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